Advertisement
Welcome to Gabon, a Central African treasure on the Atlantic Coast, emerging as a dark horse of Africa. A former French colony, its land, 10 per cent of which is protected territory, houses 13 national parks, and the highest concentration of elephants across all of Africa.Gabon’s topography is so varied it rivals the diversity of all wildlife here, with landscapes ranging from tropical forests and mangroves to savannas and mountains.
Its capital city, Libreville, is quaint and quiet. Inhabited by around one million people, who make up almost 70 per cent of the country’s entire population. Libreville is a melting pot of 40 ethnic groups, among them the Bantu Fang, Tsogo, Teke and the Pygmies Babongo. The capital is also home to Lebanese, French, Central and West African immigrants too.
However, it is outside the city where the greatest of all natural spectacles begin. Almost 85 per cent of Gabon’s territory is covered in tropical forest, dotted with rivers, waterfalls, and lagoons as far as the eye can see. Not to mention lush streams flowing along 800kms of coastline, flanked by endless white sand beaches.
And, depending on the season, humpback whales and sea turtles frequent the shores here. While inland; buffalo, hippos, and elephants roam. Baboons, gorillas, chimpanzees and mandrills; alongside 190 other mammal, 70 reptile and 600 bird species all call Gabon’s national parks home too.
Yet the only way to truly experience this place is through complete immersion; mostly on foot, wading through the wilderness. Where you will eventually find yourself face to face with the ancient spiritual traditions of the Bwiti. Best of all though, Gabon remains unscathed by mass tourism, and so effortlessly sends travelers back to the roots of our kind, on a journey to the last African Eden.
BWITI
The Bwiti is a spiritual discipline of the forest-dwelling Punu and Mitsogo peoples of Gabon and the Fang peoples of Gabon and Cameroon. Recognized as one of the three official religions of the state, modern Bwiti incorporates animism, ancestor worship, and Christianity into a syncretistic belief system.
Their ceremonies are led by a spiritual leader, or N’ganga, with knowledge of healing practices, hexes, and spells and dressed in robes of red, black, and white will preside over the initiation rites for young Gabonese women and men as they ascend to a higher grounds during their way to spiritual enlightenment.
Depending on how much enlightenment the initiate seeks, the Bwiti ceremony starts in the night and lasts for days. Filled with music and dance, singing, drums, and shakers and dressed in Fang and Kota masks, skirts of raffia, beads, and animal skins, the party will surely make a lasting impression!
With psychedelic ceremonies, mask wearing high priests, butterfly spotting and a little whale watching, you can’t go wrong once upon Gabon!
Let's go!
Day 1 Libreville
Arrival to Libreville, check in to hotel, quick look at the urban highlights.
Day 2 Monts de Cristal
Transfer to National Park Monts de Cristal. After lunch we will hit the forest trail for jungle discovery, all the way to cascades of waterfalls, so pack you swimsuit!
Day 3 Gold Diggers
Today we hit yet another jungle trail to sneak on daily activities of gold miners villages all the way to Makabane waterfalls.
Day 4 Grand Poubara Dam + Bwiti
Jungle holds many secrets, but this one will be quite a surprise! Today we will hike all the way to the massive hydraulic dam on Ogooué River, about 15 kilometres south of Franceville.
In the afternoon we head to MBOKA YA NZAMBE – Village of God.
We will get involved with villagers activity: fishing, hunting but also local real estate made of wood and leaves.
In the evening BWITI CEREMONY.
Day 5 Return to Libreville
After morning activities, we will eventually hit the road back to Libreville. Tonight dinners is at Mystic Bantu. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 6 Pongara National Park - Humpback Whales watching
Today we hit the road to Pongara National Park, where first we will stretch the legs on the short hike, followed by lunch we head for humpback watching. July marks high season for those migratory mammals – occasion that can not be missed! In the afternoon souvenir shopping, followed by airport transfer. Ciao Gabon!
Level of Difficulty: Easy, limited facilities ahead.
Activities: Jungle trekking, whales watching, swimming, boating, taking part in Bwiti ceremony, culture immersion.
Cost: 6750 AED excl. flights (Ethiopian – 4700 AED)
Duration: 6 days
Room & Meals: Hotels & lodges – double sharing. Meals included.
Specifically Excluded: Visas, insurance, PCR if necessary.
Covid: Gabon removed all Covid regulations.
See yah in Gabon x
Piotr
050484823 / [email protected]
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International, P O Box 2525,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tickets